The Danish market for electric vehicles is growing so fast, with European brands dominating and Chinese manufacturers making gradual inroads.
Meanwhile, carmakers from the United States, Japan, and South Korea are losing their foothold.
Denmark wants EU
European brands have experienced remarkable growth, increasing their market share from 31% at the end of 2019 to an impressive 52% by the close of 2024. This surge reflects a strong preference among Danish consumers for European EVs. In total, 178,862 European EVs have been registered in Denmark, showcasing their dominance in the market.
The expansion of the European segment has come at the expense of American, Japanese, and South Korean manufacturers. The United States, primarily driven by Tesla, has seen its market share decline from 39.6% in 2019 to 25.9% in 2024.
What about China
Chinese automakers, while still holding a relatively small share, have made noticeable gains. Their market share has grown from 0% in 2019 to 10.5% in 2024, largely thanks to Volvo and Polestar—brands owned by the Chinese company Geely. What seems evident, then, is that the growth is still driven by European brands of a Chinese group.
However, these two manufacturers alone account for 60% of all Chinese EV registrations in Denmark, with Volvo Cars and Polestar contributing 21,927 of the 36,218 Chinese EVs registered.
Brands such as MG Motors, BYD, and Xpeng also play a role, but their presence is considerably smaller. MG Motors holds a 13.5% share of Chinese EVs, while BYD and Xpeng follow with 9.9% and 9.6%, respectively.
Tesla dominance
While European automakers dominate the overall market, Tesla retains its position at the top when it comes to specific models. The Tesla Model Y remains the most popular EV in Denmark, boasting a market share of 11.35%, followed by the Model 3 at 10.4%. The Volkswagen ID.4, representing Europe’s strongest individual contender, holds third place with 6.17%.
Among “Chinese” models, the Polestar 2 and Volvo XC40 lead with market shares of 2.35% and 2.06%, respectively. Beyond Volvo and Polestar, Chinese vehicles struggle to compete; the Xpeng G9 is the highest-ranking non-Geely Chinese model, occupying 41st place with a 0.56% market share.
The growing preference for European EVs in Denmark aligns with broader trends favoring local or regional manufacturers. However, the steady rise of Chinese brands, spearheaded by Volvo and Polestar, indicates that China is gradually carving out a niche in this market. Despite Tesla’s ongoing popularity, particularly with its flagship Model Y, its market dominance is being eroded by the growing competitiveness of European alternatives. This trend highlights the dynamic nature of the Danish EV market, where innovation, pricing, and consumer trust play crucial roles in shaping the landscape.
